Big changes are happening in the Meta-verse, specifically some pretty useful upgrades to the Instagram app.
Haley Ingram of Coffee & Contracts posted a carousel introducing the changes, three of which we’re breaking down here. But the big one we’re focusing on first is the new Edits app—an exclusively mobile app for those who create and edit short-form videos on their phones.
Let’s dive in!
#1—New IG Edits
Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri announced the new Edits app in a reel he posted on Sunday.
While TikTok is currently back online, CapCut is still unavailable (as of Monday, January 20). And with the TikTok ban looming for months, we’re not surprised IG’s CEO would see the writing on the wall—and the opportunity it presented.
Edits launches in February, but as of now, you can pre-order the app in the iOS app store (Android coming soon). Here are some of the features you can look forward to:
- Dedicated tabs for inspiration and trending audio and for keep track of all your ideas
- New, higher-quality camera
- All the video editing tools you would expect
- Ability to share drafts with friends and other creators
- Powerful insights on how your published reels are doing
#2—Longer Reels: More Time to Showcase Your Expertise
Reels just got a major upgrade, with the time limit increasing to three minutes—double the previous 90 seconds. For real estate creators, this is your chance to deliver more in-depth content without feeling rushed.
🛠 How to use this:
- Take followers on extended property tours, highlighting unique features that stand out in the market.
- Share valuable tips like market updates or behind-the-scenes looks at a home staging process.
- Use the extra time for storytelling—whether it’s sharing client success stories or breaking down a common real estate myth.
Longer videos = more room to showcase your value and keep your audience engaged.
#3—Redesigned Profile Layouts: Vertical Wins Over Square
Say goodbye to the classic square grid. Instagram is shifting to a rectangular grid layout on user profiles to better accommodate vertical content. Why? According to Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri, “Square photos are a core part of Instagram’s legacy, but the majority of content today is shared in a vertical format. This update reflects the current preferences of our users.”
🛠 What this means for real estate creators:
- Vertical content reigns supreme. Ensure your property photos and videos are optimized for this new format to stand out on your profile.
- Curate your grid. With the new layout, your profile needs to tell a visual story—think property highlights, client testimonials, and brand messaging.
- Don’t let this be a passive update—embrace it as a reason to refresh your profile with a cohesive, modern aesthetic.
#4—New Reels Tab: See What Friends Are Engaging With
Instagram is bringing back some nostalgic vibes with a new tab in the Reels section. This feature highlights videos your friends have liked or commented on, a nod to the old “Friends Activity” feature that was retired years ago.
🛠 Why it matters for agents:
- Get inspired. Use this tab to discover trending content and see what’s working for others in your niche.
- Boost your engagement strategy. Engage with your followers and peers by liking and commenting on content in this section—it’s a subtle way to stay on their radar.
- Leverage social proof. The tab makes your content more visible when people in your network interact with it, so encourage engagement through calls-to-action in your Reels.
Which of these new updates matters most to you?
